Kentia

Class

Monocotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Arecaceae

Order

Arecales

Genus

Howea

Species

forsteriana

Description

Howea, better known as Kentia or vulgarly called Kenzia, is one of the most popular house plants since the 1960s.
Much appreciated for its elegance, it is a palm that lives and bears fruit in tropical and equatorial zones.
In a flat or office it prefers bright areas as opposed to its original habitat.
It requires a humid climate so the foliage should be misted.

curiosity and special features

The botanical genus Howea refers to Lord Howe's Island, the plant's place of origin, while the specific epithet forsteriana was given in honour of George Forster, a Scottish botanist from the 18th century who, while visiting Lord Howe's Island, contributed to the identification of many botanical species, including Howea forsteriana.

Origin and Diffusion

The native range of this species is Lord Howe Island, located between Australia and New Zealand; it was introduced to Europe in the second half of the 19th century as a plant for indoor ornamental use.

Leaf

Kentia is appreciated as a green indoor plant due to its long, evergreen leaves with threadlike lamina.

Inflorescence

Kentia produces inflorescences with branched spikes; flowering occurs mainly in tropical areas where certain temperature, humidity and light conditions are present.

Leaf color

Homogeneous tone.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 1 to 3 m, depending on the size of the pot and the growing conditions.

Lifespan

Perennial evergreen plant.

Suggested planting locations

In relation to climatic and thermal requirements, it is indicated as an indoor Species, in particular as a pot plant , Planters, Indoor Pots.

Stem/stem

The stem, or rather stipe as it is a palm, is single and herbaceous; the variety has no thorns.

Growth

Medium-vigorous Growth plant.

Plant habit

It creates a focal visual point due to its erect habitus and striking leaves bearing long petioles.

branching

Being a palm, it does not branch.

pH

It requires a slightly acidic medium with an optimal pH between 5.8 and 6.5.

sun exposure

Indoors in the cold season, bright shade. In the home or office it should be placed in bright areas although Kentia does not prefer this type of exposure in cultivation, however, avoid direct sunlight.

Ideal climate and temperature

An indoor plant in cold climates but which does not require high temperatures at home or in the office, but rather suitable light. The ideal temperature is between 20 and 30 °C. The vital temperature is between 5 and 45 °C.

Use

It is one of the most widely used species in:

Indoor ornamental

Hardiness

Low to medium hardiness plant.

Soil/medium

Choose a new, high-quality substrate specifically for potted green plants that is light and well draining.

Maintenance

Given the correct cultivation conditions required, the cultivation of Kentia is fairly easy with a Medium level of maintenance effort required.

cultivation tips

Some specific cultivation guidelines for the correct vegetative development of Kentia:

Balanced fertilisation Avoid over-watering Keep the substrate moist at all times Prefers slightly calcareous water

Reproduction/Propagation

Propagation is mainly by cutting.

Irrigation

Keep the substrate moist but free from saturation by preventing over-watering as Kentia fears stagnation. Do not keep the plant near the air conditioner, always check that no water remains on the underpot. It requires a humid temperate climate, therefore it is advisable to spray the leaves regularly with non-calcareous water.

Fertilization

Fears over-fertilisation, especially in connection with water stress. During the spring-summer period, apply a specific fertiliser for green plants to the medium, previously moistened, to be diluted in the Irrigation water without exceeding the dosage and frequency; in winter, reduce the dosage.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible

advise 1

Kentia likes a temperate, humid climate, so it is best to spray the leaves indoors if possible, especially in winter. Do not keep the plant near the air conditioner, always check that no water remains on the underpot, it fears water stagnation.